Juliette’s morning started out differently from her usual morning. She didn’t set her alarm, having slept in for once, because she could. If sleeping until seven in the morning counts as waking up late. Last night she took care of what she called ‘operation clean break.’ She cancelled her life with Michael, packed up the remains of it when she finished, and sent the pieces back to Michael. Actual pieces, she’d cut every card into many pieces. Let him figure out what he received. The last payment, thankfully, made to pay him back for paying her student debt, was in the bank account before she cancelled her card. She was free to start her new life without him. The payment was slightly larger, but she wanted to finish before he caught on. He’d argue about it until he had his way, and she was bound to him financially again. Despite all her efforts the previous night, she still experienced a moment of panic upon waking up naturally, without the aid of her
Michael received no answer when he went to the apartment building Juliette was supposed to have her love nest in. It annoyed him, but he came up with a phone number for this A.K. Crusader and when he called it, no one picked it up. It went straight to voicemail. A voicemail message clearly recorded by Juliette played. “Leave your name and number with a brief message.” This was only getting stranger as he went along. Michael didn’t want to talk to her lawyer. He wanted to talk to her. His investigator claimed he’d followed her and found her meeting with two men. One who followed her as she went shopping before returning to this apartment. They left shortly after arriving. A quick call to the investigator told him he was sitting outside of her lawyer’s office and the man went inside with her. Was this man A.K. Crusader? Michael wanted to know. “Who is he? Is he, her lover?” “I’m unsure about that currently, but he follows her around like a lost puppy dog. I’ve not seen them kiss o
“Aria, what are you doing tonight?” “Oh, I don’t know. What am I doing? You tell me Michael.” He briefly glanced at his phone. Didn’t she run out of his office last night with her lipstick smeared over her lips? She was embarrassed because Leon called him while she was trying to give him a blowjob. This was another strike against her. Michael knew he couldn’t stand to have a stupid wife. She’d have to prove she’s smarter than she sounds right now for him to even entertain the idea. “Not now, maybe later Aria. I need to get into an art gallery this evening for a private showing. It’s the Levee Gallery. Are you familiar with it? Would you have a connection there? Who could get us in there?” Michael waited for the disappointed whine from her when she realized this wasn’t a booty call. “Oh, that’s perfect Michael. I thought I’d have to miss it all together, because I would not attend alone. Nothing more boring than wandering as the const
Julie entered the bathroom in a hurry. She didn’t want to miss anything. Julie wanted Hugh Dawson, the artist, to see her as acceptable. Who’d been sweet enough to do her book covers for nothing but only for her mention that he’d created them for her? She mentioned every time he made the covers for her. With three books published, his name appeared on each cover as the cover’s creator, beneath her name as the author. Tonight, Hugh wanted to unveil publicly the cover of her fourth book for her to thank her for the exposure of her books gave his work. Rising Tides and Passions Voyage, was her latest novel, a second chance romance of two single people on a couple’s cruise. Julie was nervous he’d expose her identity in his showy excitement. She told Hugh that she’d be here, but she didn’t want him to identify her as the author. Juliette stressed that this was his event, and she didn’t want to detract any attention from him. She wanted to avoid people seeking photos or autographs from her.
“Did I see you with Juliette Monroe? Where did she go?” Michael said. His casual ability to sound both polite and superior simultaneously amazed Julie. “Julie went to use the restroom before the event to avoid missing anything.” Beckett Heinz, or Beck as his friends called him, said. “So, you are friends of hers?” Michael asked. He then continued when Aria rudely interrupted him. Julie didn’t know how Aria wasn’t feeling annoyed by the wild swinging of her drop earring. They sparkled intensely, as Aria sought maximum attention. Even now, Julie worried her outfit was too understated for this gathering. Unlike Aria’s over the top outfit. They expected creativity from Julie and crazy from Aria. Aria’s words ran right over Stephen Jones, Julie’s agent. “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Michael dear?” Aria said in a loud voice with a huge smile. She wasn’t really asking. She demanded to be the centre of attention. “We work w
Michael finally found Juliette. He couldn’t believe she’d wear that dress here. It was too far beneath her station and his. What was she thinking? She owned a closet full of appropriate clothing, and if that didn’t work, he would rent or buy something for her. She was his wife, after all. Then he remembered exactly why he needed to speak with her. He ignored Aria. The woman grew tired of chasing him. Juliette appeared uncomfortable, and the look on her face told him he wasn’t welcome. Michael wanted to be heard and understand the truth of what was going on, with no further interruptions. Who were these two men? She had been discussing their marriage, and Stephen felt entitled to share his opinion, as if it held any weight. “Michael, before you say anything. I have nothing to say to you. I know they did not invite you and I have told you never to contact me directly. If you need to contact to me, go through my lawyer.” He noticed she
“Really, Micky baby. I just want that big hard cock of yours stretching me open and showing me exactly what I’ve been missing.” Aria stopped right in front of Michael, and he struggled not to flinch when she grabbed the front of his pants. “I couldn’t care less where you fucked her, as long as you fuck me.” “Oh, I’ll fuck you alright. But I give the orders, you sexy little slut.” She ate up his words, oblivious to Michael’s disgust. She believed he was acting for her. Michael struggled with this. He’d fucked Aria many times before their aborted wedding. He knew sex with her wasn’t bad at all. Aria’s presence now was solely for Michael to show his ability to replace Juliette. Aria was ready to move on from her fling and start dating again. The idea felt strangely wrong when it should feel right. He’d replace Juliette with Aria for a time. But if Aria thought for a minute, he’d marry her, then she fooled herself. She was a tool to him.
Michael checked his messages as he adjusted his pants to ease his discomfort. There was a date, and time to meet with Juliette and her lawyer. He would have to wait a week. Aria had a week to settle in and learn how to support herself. If she couldn’t, she could seek alternative lodging. He also received a response, apologizing for the mistake with excuses. Once it’s over, he’ll seek a new law firm and consider suing them for mishandling his divorce. Michael wanted Juliette here. He wanted her full lips wrapped around him, eating him up like he was a melting ice cream cone on a hot day. “Fuck.” Having completed the task, he sought a willing partner to relieve his sexual tension. Michael locked his office behind him and stalked with determination down the hallway to the guest bedroom. He informed Leon that Aria was waiting for him. “I got bored and warmed up while I waited for you.” Aria purred as she lay on the bed nak